Need something to listen to on your way to and from work? Try a library podcast!
Inspired by The Room of Requirement episode of This American Life, which aired December 28, 2018: Three stories of libraries around the U.S., we decided to post about library podcasts. Here’s a quick breakdown of some that may be of interest to school librarians:
Adventures in YA
This podcast is hosted by Sara (an avid reader) and Kristen (a librarian), who spent the time to read lots of YA books and then review them for us. Each episode lasts about 50-60 minutes and comes out sporadically. We like that its focus is on YA literature.
Book Talk
This is actually a radio show that airs every other Wednesday at 1pm and features one work of contemporary fiction. Episodes can be found online and in iTunes. Each episode contains a 25-minute interview with the author, and a 25-minute discussion of the book between the host (Cyd Oppenheimer) and two guest readers. They round out the show with a local librarian who recommends a middle-grade fiction book.
Booktalks Quick and Simple by Nancy Keene
Booktalks in 45 seconds! Although this podcast hasn’t aired since 2017, who doesn’t love a quick 45-second booktalk? Nancy J. Keane offers a daily booktalk on books for grades K-12. Listen to booktalks about some of the newest books published as well as some oldies but goodies. Instead of just reading Nancy Keane’s booktalks, tune in to hear the booktalks by booktalking expert, Nancy Keane, herself.
Documents that changed the world
In this podcast, Joe Janes, Associate Professor at the University of Washington Information school, takes a look at documents that have made a difference in the world. In less than 15 minutes, thought slightly awkward, Joe takes us through the history and background of different world documents, and weaves a tale that leaves you thinking. You can listen online at https://ischool.uw.edu/podcasts/dtctw, however, you’ll find more episodes in iTunes.
Professional Book Nerds
Each episode of this podcast is about 50 minutes long, and is hosted by staff librarians who work for OverDrive. Hear their book recommendations, learn about new books coming out, and listen to author interviews. While this isn’t a podcast specific to schools or even the K-12 age group, these are all books that are available in OverDrive (for public libraries at least).
If you listen to a library podcast that you think other school librarians would like, let us know!
